Smart called J.R. to meet him in the back after scuffle: 'Ain't no punk right here'

Warning: Story contains coarse language

As Marcus Smart exited the floor at Quicken Loans Arena after being ejected in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers after an on-court scuffle with J.R. Smith, the Boston Celtics guard made a gesture which some believed was directed at the crowd.

In actuality, Smart was signaling to the Cavaliers veteran.

"To J.R. Smith to meet me in the back," Smart said regarding who is gesture was directed towards following Boston's 113-102 loss. "That's what it was. I told him to come to the back. All of that on the court, we can handle that off the court. I ain't with that, and that's on my mama - may she rest in peace.

"Ain't no punk right here. On my mama, may she rest in peace. That shit's dead. So, whatever happens, happens. J.R. know where I'm at. Everybody know where I'm at. It is what it is."

Related: Smart tweets message of remembrance for mother

Smith and Aron Baynes got their arms entangled while battling around the basket, with Baynes yanking at Smith's right arm. Smith subsequently shoved Baynes, prompting Smart to come to his teammate's defense by pushing Smith in the back.

Smart was the only player ejected from the festivities following the scuffle. Smith was assessed a technical foul, while Baynes picked up a personal.

While he seemed heated during his post-game interview discussing the incident, Smart assured the media he was calm, cool, and collected.

"Nah. They the same. I'm the same me," he said, referring to his emotional state. "I've been like this. Ain't nothing changed about me. Ain't nothing gonna change about me."